Can you elaborate on all the PL standard performances by Rodwell as I'm badly struggling to remember them? He looked half decent, composed on the ball, that's about it. Conway the bit part player replaced by a better player with much better pedigree and experience, absolute nonsense arguement there. Erm Reed has Johnson and Davenport to step in there, granted Davenport was technically a squad member last year but that's irrelevant when he wasnt available for the most part. Given Reed was often played out wide where he was largely ineffective you could also argue Chapman has replaced him too. Downing wasnt even a squad member hslf of last season as he was out on loan, when he was here he was hardly a pivotal player. Its just become some weird fantasy with certain people that he was any good, mainly as an excuse for a cheap shot at Mowbray by the cry babies. Regardless of that he WILL be replaced no doubt. IF Raya goes its unimaginable that he won't be replaced so that's a pointless argument. As it stands he's still in the squad anyway..... So yeah..

The squad is better than last season as it stands, a season in which we were well clear of relegation. Theres going to be more in comings too. None of the teams around us last season have strengthened much, if at all Stop spouting fretty shite its embarrassing. ¹

Hart would not be a good move at all, essentially has the same weaknesses as Raya, but older and on bigger wages!

I'd say the mix of age and experience is starting to look a lot better in the squad/potential starting 11 to be honest. I'd hazard a guess that the overall average is still in the lower half of the league in numerical terms. The lack of experience often cost us last season. Still undecided on Raya, my view depends entirely on who he is replaced with. He has weaknesses in his game that don't seem to be being improved upon, there's an argument that is down to inferior coaching though too. We could do a lot worse than him though and sincerely hope we don't. Pretty sure his replacement will be a lot more experienced, but I'm not against that at all. Raya is useless at organising a defence and I'd rather have a keeper bellowing at them all game, suspect Mowbray is thinking the same. I'm a fan of having a goalkeeper as captain too, they're in a great place to read the game.

Whilst 70m is outrageous for Maguire, it's about the going rate I'd say. It would be a disastrous move for him though IMO, his mistakes would be highlighted a lot more when playing for United, they get brushed under the carpet a bit more by the more lenient Leicester support.

Don't put it past him playing Downing as a wing back ?

Looks like its imminent, the club just tweeted about it....

The McGinn story is an Alan Nixon exclusive, you do realise that? If United sign him for 50m it'd be one of the most ridiculous deals in transfer history and show how far they've fallen.

Undecided on the Raya issue tbh. He's one of the best shot stoppers in the league but a few question marks on other areas. However, how much does a complete keeper come in at these days and who would we even get to replace him? I just KNOW he'd end up with a decent coach and being a world beater if he moved on too which is frustrating.

We would have conceded a lot less goals if Lenihan played more games last season, that's pretty much fact. But regardless of that I hope to hell he's not thinking we can rely on him staying fit all season as a reason not to strengthen (assuming he actually stays anyway...)

Boro opinions are very mixed indeed on him leaving. We'll just have to wait and see, not an ideal signing by any means but let's judge him on his performances at Ewood. I think if he'd been say our 5th and final signing it wouldn't have been met with as many moans and groans, alas it is what it is.

So a northerner with a beard? Sounds like his mate is just talking shite

Nobody on here will even know who it is

The more I think about it the more I think he's being brought in partly for his set piece deliveries because Mulgrew ain't gonna start next season (hopefully)

Cardiff are playing San Antonio and New Mexico United. 2 plodders from the USL. Similar standard to Newport and Cheltenham to be quite honest just a lot further to travel.

I do think people need to relax a bit. Look how many deals are going through at the minute, not just in the championship but across the country. Its holiday season for both footballers and agents. Yes I realise mobile phones exist etc but in terms of getting actual deals signed sealed and delivered you're going to have to wait patiently - it's not that long till July now.

Erm why?

Villa spent 22m on Wesley from Club Brugges didn't they? He's hardly a big name he's just had a decent season in the Juliper, which to be honest is an awful league.

Reading through the blokes Twitter and struggling to find and of his transfer scoops that have actually come off. Just seems to post idle bullshit. He's probably picked up on the fact they've bid for him previously a few years ago. As much as I like Lenihan I'd say the blades need to be aiming a bit higher than him anyway if they wanna stay up

I'd be amazed if we're sniffing round A league players, just seems like a silly season rumour. I'd rather take a punt on Bruno Fornaroli if we're going down that route ?

On the flipside it's a while since Hanley played for us and he played 9 times last season. He always had issues with staying in shape when he was here, but that was mainly due to him liking a night on the town I think. Admittedly I've no idea if he's knocked that on the head a bit now he's a bit older.

Out of contract and its saying we're offering 1m? Sounds legit ?

It'll probably be Marseille reserves, they play Rangers a few days later. I just knew someone would come on here all upset about with though ?

They were in league 1 themselves 4 years ago. Granted they had a decent season prior to last season but still failed to make the play offs. Really struggling to see how they could be seen as a more attractive proposition tbh. I'm not overly bothered if we do miss out on Bauer, I think he rates himself more than others seem to rate him.